April 1990 In This Issue

Phil South examines the ins and outs of programming various aspects of A1 synthesis, as used in Korg's 'M' and 'T' ranges of synthesizers.

ARMADILO A616 SAMPLER

Armadilo A616 Sampler

The Acorn Archimedes has not yet proved to be popular computer amongst musicians, mainly because of the lack of usefull software. Paul Ireson takes a look at a significant development in the world of Archimedes music - the Armadillo stereo 16-bit sampler.

David Mellor explores the higher echelons of audio technology and finds a machine which is destined to become a classic of its time: SoundStation II Digital Audio Research.

FOSTEX 812 RECORDING & 2016 LINE MIXERS

Fostex 812 Recording & 2016 Line Mixers

Fostex enjoy an enviable reputation for their ground-breaking developments in the tape machine field, but their mixers never seem to have had quite the same appeal. However, these latest models may be set to change that. Dave Lockwood finds out.

PROGRAMMABLE AUDIO PATCHBAYS

Peavey MAP8X4; Icon Research APB1

Patchbays are an essential means of maximising flexibility when routing audio signals from one device to another but they can hardly be considered interesting. Add MIDI control and patch storage, however, and we're talking a whole new creative ball-game. Ian Gilby checks out two different MIDI-controlled programmable audio patchbays.

ROLAND R8M

Roland R8M: Total Percussion Sound Module

Sequencer owners rejoice! Roland have taken the 16-bit PCM sounds from their popular R8 drum machine, repackaged them into a convenient rackmount case, and added extra slots for ROM and RAM cards to produce a beat-box par excellence. David Brenton gets what he always wanted...

THE ROUTE TO THE TOP

XRI Systems XR400 MIDI Mate

Is your MIDI system just an accident waiting to happen? Here's an easy way of bringing order to your present tangled mess of MIDI connections. Martin Russ checks out XRI Systems' clever XR400 MIDI Mate.

People + Opinion

DEL PALMER

Del Palmer: The Sensual World Of Kate Bush

Recording world engineer Del Palmer has worked with Kate Bush for almost 13 years, starting out as a bass player in her pub band back in 1977. Kate rarely gives interviews these days but Del was willing to provide an insight into how this innovative lady works in the studio and the background to the recording of her hugely successful album, The Sensual World.

PROJECTS UK

Projects UK

Local community arts centres often house some sort of sound studio, and these can be the only way interested members of the public can gain first-hand experience of recording and hi-tech equipment, especially those on low incomes. David Hughes reports on one such North-East based facility: Projects UK in Newcastle.

SOUNDING OFF: Manual Madness by Roger Jackson

Manual Madness: By Roger Jackson.

THE FUTURE OF KEYBOARD TECHNOLOGY

The Future Of Keyboard Technology

The idea of putting a group of rival Japanese manufacturers together in a room to openly discuss their future directions may seem more akin to an explosive science experiment than a realistic idea. Gregory D. Moore reports on the outcome.

THE PURSUIT OF AN OBSESSION

The Pursuit Of An Obsession

Ever wanted to release your own album? Here's the story of one determined SOS reader, Bob Geal, who did just that.

Technique

DOCTOR JURGENBŸSTER'S CASEBOOK

How To Obtain Extra Drum Sounds For Free!

Bored with the sounds your drum machine makes? Martin Russ provides a bunch of tips to help you perk up your percussion.

RECORDING TECHNIQUES

Recording Techniques: Part 5: Mixing Console (1)

The mixing console is the largest, most complicated, and probably the most expensive item in the recording studio. In this first installment, David Mellor begins his journey through its component parts.

SAMPLING NATURAL SOUNDS

Sampling Natural Sounds

As a humble home studio hopeful who has never pointed a mic in earnest at anything outdoors before, James Walters goes in search of the basic equipment.